Which C6 Year Would You Recommend?

[TedC]

Currently own a 1989 vette with auto that has been extremely reliable and a joy to own. I've noticed several C6 vettes with low mileage (30-40K) for under $25K. I'm after a base model coupe with auto, leaning towards a LS3 engine with 6 speed auto. Any C6 years I should avoid? Please explain why. Appreciate the advice to help narrow my search.

 

[LLC5]

The newest model that fits your budget is usually the best value. The newer the vehicle also makes finding parts easier years down the road.

 

[Toms007]

I wouldn't shy away from the LS2, they are a solid engine and I doubt you can actually tell the difference in the seat of your pants. Find the one that fits your needs and go for it.

If you were going to avoid any particular year, 2005 would probably the one as, I believe, the auto trans was just a 4 speed. The 6 speed auto came in in 2006. But the 2005s were good cars too.

 

[vett boy]

I have an 08 and surprised at the lack of issues .This was during the time period when GM was having financial problems and I was concerned about quality from the vendors .I do prefer the LS3 engine .

 

[TedC]

Appreciate the comments.
I used the data center to better understand which automatic and engine by year.
2005 - 4 speed auto with LS2
2006 to 2007 - 6 speed with LS2
2008 to 2013 - 6 speed with LS3
They all use the same tire sizes, so replacements should not be an issue long haul.
So far in my area I've seen 2005 to 2007 selling between $17-$21K and 2008 to 2011 between $22-$27K.
Pretty difficult to test drive any of these with salt coated roads.

 

[Tuna]

Pretty difficult to test drive any of these with salt coated roads.

That does make it hard.

I've owned 3 C6s - 06, 08, 13; so let me put in my 2-cents.

First, get the newest one you can afford. Each year, they got better. Now for my personal experience.

The 06 was a coupe and my first auto Vette. I didn't like the paddle shift mode. The early 6-sp auto with paddle shifters was slow to up or down shift. Later versions were updated to provide better response.
However, if you never use the paddles, it really doesn't matter. My wife and I both preferred the Sport mode when driving and we stopped using the paddles. My wife drove it as a daily driver and it performed very well.

The 08 was a vert manual. I had problems with this car. First, the clutch pedal stuck to the floor once - new clutch, new master and slave cylinders and new fluid and it was fine until traded. Second, I think it was struck by lightning or got hit by a electromagnetic pulse related to the storm I was in. Whatever, that fried 3 of the computers in the car. Since the diagnostics wouldn't work, it took the dealer 10 weeks to track down all the problems. After that was fixed, it again performed very well.

The 13 is a 427 Vert, manual. I love this car! But, I don't think you are looking for this sort of Vette.

Good luck with your search.

 

[LLC5]

Tuna made a good point, don't get hung up on paddle shifters, it is a bit of a gimmick. Letting the vehicle do the shifting by itself is the quickest and best way to maximize performance. The PCM/TCM will only let the transmission do what IT will want the transmission to do no matter your paddle request. If the paddle reference request is within the parameters of the PCM/TCM it will allow the command, if not it won't.

 

[6 Shooter]

2012 or newer...

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